The Palestinian Authority is expected to officially submit its request for statehood recognition at the United Nations today in defiance of U.S. and Israeli threats. The Obama administration has lobbied against the move, and U.S. lawmakers have threatened to cut off funding. Palestinian officials Saeb Erekat and Nabil Shaath said U.S. insistence on dead-end negotiations has forced the PA to take its bid before the United Nations.

Saeb Erekat: “Mr. Netanyahu’s maneuvers are public relations. So, enough. To say, 'Come and meet, and let's talk, and let’s negotiate,’ over what? You have to say it. Mr. Netanyahu has to say it: 'I accept to stop all settlement activities as my obligation, and I accept the two states on 1967.' And we don’t see any contradiction at that moment between resuming negotiations and seeking Palestinian admittance in the U.N.”

Dr. Nabil Shaath: “Friday will be a day of jubilation in Palestine. The President Abbas will give his speech, he will send his request for membership to the Security Council, and he will leave that evening. And so, it’s a happy day.”